by David Chapman
Staff Writer
On a cold day when many people might have considered hibernating, Mayor John Peyton and members of the Mayor’s Council on Fitness and Well-Being announced initiatives aimed at curbing Duval County’s high chronic disease rate during a press conference along the St. Johns River.
Peyton said he wasn’t happy with some of the health statistics — 62 percent of adults in Duval County are obese or overweight, two-thirds do not get moderate exercise each day and the high diabetes, heart disease and stroke hospitalization rates — of the city, but noted he was excited about the possibilities moving forward to address the health issues.
Timothy Lawther, assistant director of the Duval County Health Department and chair of the Mayor’s Council, cited some of the discouraging data and statistics and said the positive aspects and opportunities of Jacksonville aren’t being capitalized on.
“With all of these resources (in Jacksonville), you’d think we’d have a very healthy city,” said Lawther. “Unfortunately, the data doesn’t say that.”
The Council’s three-part healthy living plan includes: “the identification and promotion of health improvement resources in Jacksonville; having an inaugural First Coast Worksite Wellness Conference; and issuing recognition through Jacksonville’s Healthiest 100 Worksite Wellness Awards.”
Jim Dickinson, CEO of JEA, spoke about JEA’s inclusion of a wellness plan that complements the company’s safety plan and its positive results, especially in the form of national achievement awards that reflect positively on employees.
“A little bit goes a long way,” advised Dickinson, on including wellness plans within a company structure.
Vondell Dingle, site chair for the Lincoln Villa Senior Center, talked about her role and passion for keeping seniors active — and encouraged the crowd of more than 50 to follow suit.
“I tell them (seniors) if you don’t move it (limbs through exercise), you’re going to lose it,” said Dingle. “You can reduce obesity, reduce diabetes ... just move them (limbs).”
Peyton and the crowd did just that, taking a “wellness walk” — one that turned into a “wellness speed walk” due to the cold and wind — along the Northbank Riverwalk.
For more information on the Mayor’s Council on Fitness and Well-Being, go to www.coj.net.
356-2466